Scully was cited for his lifetime of leadership in “research on all aspects of quantum optics, including the quantum theory of the laser, quantum coherence effects, quantum thermodynamics and the foundations of quantum mechanics,” OSA said.

“Quantum mechanics, the crowning achievement of the 20th century, continues to bear fruit in the 21st century in the form of quantum optics and laser physics, Scully said. “The OSA has consistently nurtured quantum optics and is my favorite professional society. I am therefore deeply honored to receive the Ives-Quinn prize of the OSA.”

“Dr. Scully continues to push back the boundaries of physics while at the same time opening entirely new areas of research in quantum optics,” said Dr. Truell Hyde, Baylor University vice provost for research. “His presence in the BRIC [Baylor Research and Innovation Collaborative] provides immediate international impact and opens the door to wonderful opportunities in the future.”

Scully has written definitive textbooks on quantum optics and laser physics and has published more than 700 articles. He joined the Baylor faculty in 2011 and is also a member of the faculties at Texas A&M University and Princeton University and is the Loeb Lecturer at Harvard.

His numerous awards and honors include the Elliot Cresson Medal of the Franklin Institute, the Schawlow Prize of the American Physical Society, the Townes Medal of the American Optical Society, the Herbert Walther Award of the German Physical Society, and a Guggenheim Fellowship.